Here’s a lofty one for those Philosophical turners:)<\/p>\n
Woodturning is considered by most turners to be an art form, and a cathartic one at that.\u00a0 It’s a fantastic way to kill time (before or after retirement), and excellent medium for self expression.\u00a0 Like all artistic mediums technology has impacted woodturning.\u00a0 On one extreme end of the scale, CNC machines and computers plot designs to lathes and cutters in no time flat for consumers.\u00a0 However, this technology cannot match or take away from the true artist essence of a hand-crafted bowl or vessel.\u00a0 So then, why do we turn wood if it can be done so easily by a machine? and for whom are we turning??<\/p>\n
Before we go any further, I am going to spoil it and answer the question this very blog title begs. In a nutshell, technologies impact on woodturning has been on safety.\u00a0 We’ll come back to the side topic of “purpose” in a moment for fun.<\/p>\n
Centres, tapers, belts systems, swivels, and user controls (interfaces) have all evolved for our safety, as well as ease.\u00a0 Woodturning can still be dangerous, but we are less likely to hurt ourselves turning wood than we were 2oo years ago.\u00a0 Tools are also better.\u00a0 Handles are more ergonomic and promote optimal use and muscle memory, and carbide inserts are machine sharper and designed to do a more efficient job than ever before.\u00a0 Hollowing systems are also better engineered to get the job done more efficiently, faster, easier and yes, safer.<\/p>\n
So, coming back to he question and purpose of wood-turning, brings out my luddite cynicism, and reminds me of other cautionary tales such as the “ballad of John Henry” https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OF-3t8Id6mA .\u00a0 Ned Ludd of course (historically debated) destroyed the printing press in fear of his economic security. Same reason John Henry took on the steam driver.\u00a0 I think many artists, craftsmen, and\u00a0 hobbyists contemplate this today, as they grapple to use technology as a tool and even as a medium.\u00a0 Do they wonder how far technology will go?\u00a0 Should we care as craftsmen or artists?\u00a0 Many art forms and professions become antiquated as technology presses on.\u00a0 You can’t stop progress.\u00a0 However, my purpose for turning is as personal as the next woodturner.\u00a0 We turn for ourselves, art admirers, and for people who just appreciate beautiful and useful things made by another human being.\u00a0 the rewards can be fun, lucrative, and relaxing all at once.\u00a0 Now, it is all of that and safe.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day It’s not craftsmanship, thats coming from a computer.<\/p>\n
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